Price : Too low to display
This USB hub provides quick access to 4 USB 2.0 ports and is ideal for connecting an external hard drive, mobile phone or any other USB device to your computer.
This review is from : Belkin Ultra-Slim Series 4-Port USB 2.0 Hub (F4U040v)
A fine little device. . I have a few favorite peripheral manufacturers, Belkin has always been high on the list, it's nice to be able to go with what you know.
But- there is no shortage of USB hubs from which to choose, so I was curious if this one had anything to make it stand out. Decision? Not really. I don't know if anyone would care about a real test of data transfer speeds - vs. another product, powered vs. unpowered, direct connect, etc.. so for the sake of brevity we can skip that. Besides, I am sure those numbers will show up here sooner or later, even if only copied from Belkin's spec sheet.
About the size of (and slightly resembling) a 10-hole diatonic harmonica, it is indeed "ultra-slim". the fact that it is powered is a plus, but it's actually hard to tell from the packaging- but if you heft it first you'll appreciate there has to be more than the unit included.
Comes with a fairly standard AC adapter and a mini-to-full sized USB male. What I found unusual about this cable was that it is white, the first non-Apple cord I have seen of that color.
Whatever.
Unlike another reviewer states, I did not find it necessary to be powered in order to work correctly- at least with USB drives; larger peripherals- printers, scanners- will probably require it.
As far as USB drives, the 4 ports are placed too close together to allow more than 4 of the slimmest you can find too fit, even at that they tend ot fan out a bit. Why anyone would need to do this is questionable, although working in IT there are times when I do in fact transfer a lot of data back and forth- it could be useful for making multiple copies across several drives, but if this became more than a once-and-awhile thing, I'd pick up a different model.
However, 4 standard USB plugs fit perfectly- obviously the design target- or 2 and a larger device. I found the perfect place for it too- it fits perfectly attached to the lower left side of my monitor, courtesy of Scotch Permanent Mounting Tape, 1 Inch x 125 Inches- so instant added four-port expansion conveniently located, as well as a mini-USB plug for a direct connect to some other devices I had. How nicely 2 Amazon products solved a problem I didn't even knew I had!
A fine little device. . I have a few favorite peripheral manufacturers, Belkin has always been high on the list, it's nice to be able to go with what you know.
But- there is no shortage of USB hubs from which to choose, so I was curious if this one had anything to make it stand out. Decision? Not really. I don't know if anyone would care about a real test of data transfer speeds - vs. another product, powered vs. unpowered, direct connect, etc.. so for the sake of brevity we can skip that. Besides, I am sure those numbers will show up here sooner or later, even if only copied from Belkin's spec sheet.
About the size of (and slightly resembling) a 10-hole diatonic harmonica, it is indeed "ultra-slim". the fact that it is powered is a plus, but it's actually hard to tell from the packaging- but if you heft it first you'll appreciate there has to be more than the unit included.
Comes with a fairly standard AC adapter and a mini-to-full sized USB male. What I found unusual about this cable was that it is white, the first non-Apple cord I have seen of that color.
Whatever.
Unlike another reviewer states, I did not find it necessary to be powered in order to work correctly- at least with USB drives; larger peripherals- printers, scanners- will probably require it.
As far as USB drives, the 4 ports are placed too close together to allow more than 4 of the slimmest you can find too fit, even at that they tend ot fan out a bit. Why anyone would need to do this is questionable, although working in IT there are times when I do in fact transfer a lot of data back and forth- it could be useful for making multiple copies across several drives, but if this became more than a once-and-awhile thing, I'd pick up a different model.
However, 4 standard USB plugs fit perfectly- obviously the design target- or 2 and a larger device. I found the perfect place for it too- it fits perfectly attached to the lower left side of my monitor, courtesy of Scotch Permanent Mounting Tape, 1 Inch x 125 Inches- so instant added four-port expansion conveniently located, as well as a mini-USB plug for a direct connect to some other devices I had. How nicely 2 Amazon products solved a problem I didn't even knew I had!
Belkin Ultra-Slim Series 4-Port USB 2.0 Hub (F4U040v) Reviews
Sync four handhelds at same time . I'm using this on my iMac with three iPhones, and an iPad. I was able to update the software on two of the phones, and sync data on all devices, all at the same time. It does charge the iPhones (all at same time), but does not charge the iPad (but the iPad has never charged off my keyboard due to its power requirements). It has a nice, slim design, is compact and doesn't take up much room. The performance is great. This is a big improvement over the USB buss in the keyboard, which only allows for one device at a time. I plugged this in on my iMac keyboard USB buss connection, and the power supply is plugged into an outlet (very simple to install and operate).
Sync four handhelds at same time . I'm using this on my iMac with three iPhones, and an iPad. I was able to update the software on two of the phones, and sync data on all devices, all at the same time. It does charge the iPhones (all at same time), but does not charge the iPad (but the iPad has never charged off my keyboard due to its power requirements). It has a nice, slim design, is compact and doesn't take up much room. The performance is great. This is a big improvement over the USB buss in the keyboard, which only allows for one device at a time. I plugged this in on my iMac keyboard USB buss connection, and the power supply is plugged into an outlet (very simple to install and operate).
Belkin Ultra-Slim Series 4-Port USB 2.0 Hub (F4U040v) Opinions
Belkin USB Hub . The Belkin 4-Port Ultra-Slim Desktop Hub comes complete with the USB connecting cable and a power adapter. The label states that it is "powered" so I expected to need the power adapter for it to work. Yes, that's all I needed, another cord to add to the already tangled mess near my computer plus finding a spare outlet to plug it might be a problem. I am happy to report that this hub works perfectly on my desktop PC WITHOUT the power adapter. The hub does not include any instructions whatsoever but that is also not a problem. My Vista (I know I need to upgrade) computer instantly recognized and installed the hub when plugged directly into the computer and also when piggybacked onto another hub. USB devices plugged into the hub were also instantly recognized and functioned properly in both instances.
I would not hesitate to recommend this USB hub. It appears to be well made and in my opinion lives up to quality standards I would expect from a Belkin product. The hub is small enough to fit into a laptop case for portable use. Although it seems to work well without the power adapter, I like the fact that one is included to support devices that might require more power than the computer connection alone can provide.
Belkin USB Hub . The Belkin 4-Port Ultra-Slim Desktop Hub comes complete with the USB connecting cable and a power adapter. The label states that it is "powered" so I expected to need the power adapter for it to work. Yes, that's all I needed, another cord to add to the already tangled mess near my computer plus finding a spare outlet to plug it might be a problem. I am happy to report that this hub works perfectly on my desktop PC WITHOUT the power adapter. The hub does not include any instructions whatsoever but that is also not a problem. My Vista (I know I need to upgrade) computer instantly recognized and installed the hub when plugged directly into the computer and also when piggybacked onto another hub. USB devices plugged into the hub were also instantly recognized and functioned properly in both instances.
I would not hesitate to recommend this USB hub. It appears to be well made and in my opinion lives up to quality standards I would expect from a Belkin product. The hub is small enough to fit into a laptop case for portable use. Although it seems to work well without the power adapter, I like the fact that one is included to support devices that might require more power than the computer connection alone can provide.
Portability is the key here . This unit is a straight-forward USB hub, allowing you to turn one USB High-Speed bus port into four comparable ports, each with data transfer speeds of up to 480MB/sec. I tested this unit with my Mac Pro and found it worked as indicated, with a Vendor specification of Genesys Logic rather than Belkin, indicating the origin of the hub's design. I compared it against Belkin's 8.8 ounce Hi-Speed USB 2.0 4-port Hub F5U234v1, which I already had installed on my Mac. The two hubs work similarly in that the power cord probably won't be necessary for any but the most power-hungry USB accessory. I never have my standard hub plugged in, and found I didn't have to bother with the cord on this one either. That said, if you have several daisy-chained hubs, your mileage may vary and you may find the AC cord a necessary evil. The older Belkin hub is currently $18.03 while this one is $29.99. So what do you get for your extra $12? Actually, you get less - about three ounces less. This hub is tiny, barely larger than the space necessary for the four USB ports, the mini-port to plug it into the computer, and the AC cord port. And it is very light, so this is really best suited for the portable crowd. Otherwise, there's no reason not to spend a little less and get the larger unit. The larger unit also has an advantage in that it has LED's to indicate that it is plugged in as well as to indicate which USB port is active (something plugged in AND turned on). So if you're buying for something that will fit in your laptop case or that you'll be toting around, and you think it's worth $12 to save three ounces and a small amount of space, then this is your hub. Otherwise, its actual function differs not at all from earlier heavier models. Five stars - it does exactly what it's supposed to do in just about the smallest amount of space possible.
Works Great Can Use Powered or Not . This is one slick little USB Hub. I mean, they all do the same thing, but this one LOOKS great. The case is black in the picture, but what you don't see is the white accents on the side, plus the USB cable provided is white. A+ for aesthetics.Hub works great. It's tiny and lightweight, perfect travel piece for a laptop. You do have the option to power it for devices that need that and a wall-wart power supply is provided. I use mine at my desk PC so I keep it powered and plugged in. I honestly think it makes my klunky Microsoft Wireless Laser Mouse 5000 with the egg-shaped RF receiver work smoother!There are other hubs out there that probably cost less, but this one has it all. Works great, looks great, tiny and light, and the option to power it if needed with the included power supply. I'll be buying another one of these for my wife's PC and probably one for my laptop. I'm getting old and cranky, and don't want cheap things in my life anymore, lol. I'll spend a bit more for quality. Good job Belkin!UPDATE 9/23/2011: It's true, this little powered hub solved the signal issue with the Microsoft Wireless Laser Mouse 5000 - Metallic Black (63A-00001). Plugging the receiver into this hub with the power supply attached is what the mouse receiver needed. Maybe any powered hub would have worked, but I do like the quality of this Belkin hub, cheaper devices have literally fallen apart in my hand. This one feels well made.
Works great! . Thumbs up for the Belkin Ultra-Slim hub!
I tested this hub with several different computers running several different operating systems (they were all Macs--two different MacBooks, a newish iMac, and an ancient 4G tower) and it worked flawlessly. I tested it with my PS3 as well, and had no problems there either. My previous hub was from 1999, so this was a huge, huge step up in data transfer speeds. Also, the old hub came with a huge "wall-wart" style power adapter, whereas the Belkin comes with a slimmer, space-saver type power adapter, which was nice.
I tested this hub with several different computers running several different operating systems (they were all Macs--two different MacBooks, a newish iMac, and an ancient 4G tower) and it worked flawlessly. I tested it with my PS3 as well, and had no problems there either. My previous hub was from 1999, so this was a huge, huge step up in data transfer speeds. Also, the old hub came with a huge "wall-wart" style power adapter, whereas the Belkin comes with a slimmer, space-saver type power adapter, which was nice.
Note: This hub requires an electical outlet! . The Belkin 4 Port Ultra Slim Desktop hub is extremely small and slim. Very sleek and unobtrusive. Works fine. But nowhere in the description of the item does it indicate that this hub requires an electrical outlet, to plug in a power adaptor. Unless the term "desktop" implies that. The power brick is of course much larger and heavier than the hub itself. I see that one reviewer indicates that it works without the power adaptor, but this option isn't indicated anywhere on the package. In fact, there is not information provided with the item, so I am assuming that you are supposed to plug it into power, then attach to your computer. It's a nice hub, but you have to have space to plug in yet another big old power brick. sigh.
Works Great~ probably more beneficial to PC users . This is a very handy little device that is both slim and extremely lightweight. When it sits on the desk it isn't very noticeable and makes it very easy to quickly switch the cords between my desktop and my laptop. I'm a Mac user and this device works just fine with my computers. I didn't notice any appreciable slow-down in communication while running devices through this USB hub either, which was great.
My only complaints:
There are two cords for this very small device, one for power and one to connect to the computer, and they are different colors. I'm sure they had a reason for making one black and one white, but I thought it looked a little tacky. If you are able to tuck it back behind something so it's not visible, this won't be an issue.
I also wished that the device didn't require it's own power source. It would be nice if it could draw power directly from the computer so I didn't have to sacrifice a separate plug for it, but that's not a deal breaker.
Conclusion:
Since the USB ports on my Macs are fairly easy to access, this isn't something that I really needed, but if I was running a PC with a tower and all the USB ports were on the back, I think this device would be invaluable. It will give you easy access to a USB port without blindly searching in the back of the tower, and it will take up very little room. It's only a little bigger than a pack of gum.
My only complaints:
There are two cords for this very small device, one for power and one to connect to the computer, and they are different colors. I'm sure they had a reason for making one black and one white, but I thought it looked a little tacky. If you are able to tuck it back behind something so it's not visible, this won't be an issue.
I also wished that the device didn't require it's own power source. It would be nice if it could draw power directly from the computer so I didn't have to sacrifice a separate plug for it, but that's not a deal breaker.
Conclusion:
Since the USB ports on my Macs are fairly easy to access, this isn't something that I really needed, but if I was running a PC with a tower and all the USB ports were on the back, I think this device would be invaluable. It will give you easy access to a USB port without blindly searching in the back of the tower, and it will take up very little room. It's only a little bigger than a pack of gum.
A Nice Lightweight Hub that may suit you if your desktop space is scarce. . The Belkin 4-Port Ultra-Slim Desktop Hub is a nice little addition to any computer system. I have used it on both a Mac and PC and it works fine, recognizing anything plugged into it.
The slim design is not much bigger than a standard size pack of gum and weighs very little, which is both a benefit and a drawback. The obvious benefit is that it is great for traveling. The disadvantage is that it is almost too lightweight for a desktop hub, especially if you are actively plugging and unplugging constantly. In other words, it easily slides around on your desk unless you hold it down, unlike some other desktop hubs that weigh a little more.
If you use a bunch of USB Flash drives at the same time you may want to consider a different hub, since the spacing of the ports does not really accommodate two being directly next to each other.
This USB does not need to have the included AC Adaptor plugged in to operate, depending on what you want it to do. To charge devices you definitely need to plug it in. (The packaging states that this hub will not charge an IPad. I don't own one so I cannot check that out.) You will also need the adaptor to power and external hard drive. I tried plugging my Western Digital Passport into the hub then into my MacBook Pro to see if it would work, but no deal. The drive light lit up, the drive did not spin at all. Looks like if I am traveling with the Belkin hub I need to carry another plug with me. Have you noticed that many places that offer free Wi-Fi often do not have many (if any) AC outlets anymore?
You do not need power for synching or using low power devices. My flash drives worked fine without the power cord being connected.
The design of this hub is slick, both the power and mini USB cords attach on the right side, which depending on how your desk is setup may or may not suit you. There is no LED on the device, so if you accidently pull the plug, you may not notice that your IPod is not charging, but to be honest with you the light on my other USB hub light up the whole room in a brilliant bright blue light, so I don't miss not having the indicator light.
Overall, am very pleased with the Belkin 4-Port Ultra Slim Desktop Hub. As I mentioned before if you do a lot of plugging on unplugging you may want something with a little more mass to it, On the other hand, if you keep the cables attached and just unplug the cord from the device end this hub would be fine. A piece of Velcro may also help you out. If space is at a premium on you desktop, you should seriously consider this hub.
The slim design is not much bigger than a standard size pack of gum and weighs very little, which is both a benefit and a drawback. The obvious benefit is that it is great for traveling. The disadvantage is that it is almost too lightweight for a desktop hub, especially if you are actively plugging and unplugging constantly. In other words, it easily slides around on your desk unless you hold it down, unlike some other desktop hubs that weigh a little more.
If you use a bunch of USB Flash drives at the same time you may want to consider a different hub, since the spacing of the ports does not really accommodate two being directly next to each other.
This USB does not need to have the included AC Adaptor plugged in to operate, depending on what you want it to do. To charge devices you definitely need to plug it in. (The packaging states that this hub will not charge an IPad. I don't own one so I cannot check that out.) You will also need the adaptor to power and external hard drive. I tried plugging my Western Digital Passport into the hub then into my MacBook Pro to see if it would work, but no deal. The drive light lit up, the drive did not spin at all. Looks like if I am traveling with the Belkin hub I need to carry another plug with me. Have you noticed that many places that offer free Wi-Fi often do not have many (if any) AC outlets anymore?
You do not need power for synching or using low power devices. My flash drives worked fine without the power cord being connected.
The design of this hub is slick, both the power and mini USB cords attach on the right side, which depending on how your desk is setup may or may not suit you. There is no LED on the device, so if you accidently pull the plug, you may not notice that your IPod is not charging, but to be honest with you the light on my other USB hub light up the whole room in a brilliant bright blue light, so I don't miss not having the indicator light.
Overall, am very pleased with the Belkin 4-Port Ultra Slim Desktop Hub. As I mentioned before if you do a lot of plugging on unplugging you may want something with a little more mass to it, On the other hand, if you keep the cables attached and just unplug the cord from the device end this hub would be fine. A piece of Velcro may also help you out. If space is at a premium on you desktop, you should seriously consider this hub.
Very Small Size Worth The Money Unit That Sells For About 40 Bucks ! . Belkin's Ultra-Slim Desktop Hub adds four quick-access USB ports to PCs, MACs, or laptop/netbook. I'm using it connected to an external hard drive, but it can be used with smartphone, or other USB device with your computer. It adds four additional USB ports to your system. It's a plug and play device and does not require drivers. Belkin provides decent pricing, considering what you get for the money, ease of installation, and has multi-uses.
Feature Belkin Ultra-Slim Series 4-Port USB 2.0 Hub (F4U040v)
- Expands 1 USB port into 4Allowing connection of multiple USB devices.
- Data transfer speeds up to 480 MbpsProvide quick and easy transfer of your photos, music and files.
- Plug-and-play designFor easy connection.
- Ultraslim designOccupies minimal space on your desk.
- 5' cableAllows for flexible placement options.
- System requirementsPC: Intel® Pentium® processor; Windows 98 SE, 2000, ME, XP, Vista or 7; Mac: OS 9.2 for USB; OS X 10.2.8 for USB 2.0
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Product Details
EAN : 0722868825235UPC : 722868825235
MPN : F4U040v
Brand : Belkin
Weight : 1 pounds
Height : 3 inches
Length : 6 inches
Width : 4 inches
Binding : Personal Computers
Manufacturer : Belkin Components
Model : F4U040v
Publisher : Belkin Components
SKU : F4U040V
Studio : Belkin Components
Where To Buy
You can buy Belkin Ultra-Slim Series 4-Port USB 2.0 Hub (F4U040v) on Amazon . Click here to Read More
